Worst Budget Crunch in 24 Years

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Story Published: Sep 9, 2009 at 11:20 PM PDT

By Stacy Lilienthal

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Many cities across the country say they're in the worst budget crunch in 24 years. Yakima says they're doing better than most, but still say job cuts may be in the future.

About 90 percent of city finance officers say they're going to have a more difficult time meeting their budget this year. Inflation and extra expenses are rising quicker than the percent of money coming in.

The local Ag economy is softening the blow in Yakima. But they've already had to eliminate empty positions, and will likely have to lay off workers in 2010. "Unfortunately we will have, more than likely, employees displaces by these budget impacts coming up. And that's by no fault of their own, these people are doing good work and good jobs for the city but you can't keep every one," City Manager, Dick Zais said.

City workers and those jail costs are both expected to come up in upcoming budget meetings.

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